Master's in Counseling Program

Marian University’s master’s in counseling degree prepares mental health professionals who help children, teens, adults, and families overcome challenges that impact human emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Our innovative curriculum has roots in the scientist-practitioner training model and takes a holistic approach to mental health that integrates mind, body, and spirit.

This is a two-year, full-time graduate program that prepares students for careers as counselors in schools, nonprofits, agencies, hospitals, and clinics. The employment outlook for licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists is very strong. A projected 22 percent growth in jobs is anticipated through 2028. When you complete this degree, you’ll have the tools to conduct evidence-based individual and group psychotherapy and consultation/evaluation.

Counseling Curriculum

Whether you complete the clinical mental health or school counseling track, you’ll experience a curriculum that teaches key skills and builds your competency in core concepts identified by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Our courses focus on subjects such as:

1. Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
2. Social and cultural diversity
3. Human growth and development
4. Career development
5. Counseling and helping relationships
6. Group counseling and promoting social skills
7. Assessment and testing
8. Research and program evaluation

Both tracks are offered on our Indianapolis campus. Part-time students may be considered in some circumstances.

Clinical Mental Health Track

Marian’s clinical mental health track is a 60-credit program that includes both a broad in-class curriculum and internship experience. Students who graduate in this track are eligible to apply for their Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credentials in Indiana. Graduates of this track are able to seek employment in various settings, diagnose clients, and more.

School Counseling Track

Marian also offers a school counseling track that is 48-credits. Like the mental health track, school counseling includes internship experience. Students are eligible for K-12 school counseling licensure and can work towards positions in public and private school settings. Students in this track may also complete the clinical mental health track by completing an additional 15 hours of coursework.

Licensure

The Masters in Counseling Program is designed to meet the core competency standards of CACREP and MPCAC. The curriculum of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track prepares students to apply for the initial Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-A) credential in the state of Indiana. The curriculum of the School Counseling track is approved by the Indiana Department of Education and prepares students to apply for the initial K-12 school counseling credential in the state of Indiana. Any student planning to relocate to another state after completion of the program can seek guidance from the program director, Michael Slavkin, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC (mslavkin@marian.edu) and should consult with that state’s licensing board.

Master's in Counseling Program FAQ

Learn More about Earning Your Master's in Counseling at Marian!

Marian University's Master of Science in Counseling degree provides internship experience and the chance to become a mental health professional. Interested in learning more about the M.S. in counseling program? Request more information today!